Races & Places with azsungoddessRunning & Racing around the country

"Disclaimer: I received a complimentary race entry to the DC Wonder Woman Run Series as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

The first DC Wonder Woman Run of the year is in the books! The race was just as fun and empowering as I thought it would be!

Race weekend got off to a bit of a rough start with packet pickup. Note: This is an inaugural event, and all first time events experience bumps along the way, which will only make them stronger next time.

Packet pickup was advertised as 2-6pm on Saturday at Tempe Beach Park, same location as the race itself. Day of race packet pickup was for VIP pickup at an extra charge. Tempe Beach Park is not the most convenient spot. Parking can be a nightmare – but they were able to offer free garage parking nearby. When we arrived, it was over 80 degrees and the sun was beating down on us. There was a very long line coming from the inside of the park to well outside of the tents. There were no signs visible when you approached the back of the tents, and we weren’t exactly sure what line we were waiting in. After about 10 minutes we realized we were in the bag pickup line and not the bib pickup line. So I held our spot in the bag line while my friend went to pick up our bibs. Volunteers did start to go through the lines shortly thereafter and make some announcements to help clarify.

There was a very popular merchandise tent full of wonder woman swag items, several photo op spots and big stage for a post race band.

Race morning went MUCH more smoothly. Everyone was decked out in WW outfits. It was a sea of red. The 5k and 10k started together. Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas led the pre-race stretching at the start line. But my favorite part was having Wonder Woman herself, Lynda Carter, count us down on the big video screen, and then the theme song started playing while we crossed the start line.

Within the first mile we climbed a hill and I ran into my fellow BibRave Pro Tim, who was running with his daughter. The start time was 9am and it was getting HOT! All the mile markers were cool Wonder Woman flags. And we had some arches to run though as well. I was very tempted to make the 5k turn, but I pressed on for the 10k. I made sure to grab water at every opportunity.

When we finished, the 10k runners were finishing with the back of the pack 5k walkers. This was a bit frustrating for the 10k folks, as it got very congested. There should be separate finish chutes for the different distances. However, all runners got the same medal. There is no date or location on this medal. I would like to see them change that for next time, and maybe swap our the ribbon based on distance. It would also incentivize people to run more than one race in the series.

All in all, I was ok with my time given the heat of the morning. 1:01 for the 10k. Good enough for 8/50 in my AG. The post race “party” had a live band, some oranges, chips, fruit snacks and sparkling water. Lines for photo opps were pretty long, but several places available to do it. I think more people would have stuck around if it wasn’t so hot.

I think people really enjoyed themselves. There were free race photos and everyone really liked the WW merchandise and camaraderie. Hopefully they can iron out a few kinks and make an even more successful event in 2020! There are plenty more races in the series this year. Check out the full list here.

"Disclaimer: I received a pairs of Shady Rays polarized sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!"

I am pretty tough on sunglasses, I tend to break them easily, or lose them. That is why I try not buy expensive sunglasses. I really like the current trend of colorful, inexpensive sunglasses that has been embraced by the running community.

I had seen some friends try out Shady Rays last year and thought they looked really cool. I was more than excited to try a pair of my own!

I chose the purple sunset, aren’t they cool? The true test, of course, is how they fit, feel, and function. I tried these out during the Scottsdale Giant 10k last month and they fit perfectly. No slippage, no fogginess. They are super light but also durable.

These glasses are truly for people like me who are on the move and want sunglasses that can keep up with them. In fact, their motto is “Live Hard. We’ve Got You”. I love that. I also love that they have a mission to help others. They are able to secure 10 meals through Feeding America WITH EVERY ORDER PLACED! Now that is what I call a win-win!

Their “Live Hard” motto is more than a motto, they have a lifetime warranty and a more than generous replacement program for those times you may lose or break your favorite pair.

There are currently 54 styles and colors to choose from! Prices start at $45.00. Shop their styles here. Now is the perfect time to get new glasses ready for summer! You can get 50% off on 2 pairs with code “Rave”! Now go and get summer ready!

"Disclaimer: I received a complimentary race entry to the DC Wonder Woman Run Series as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Who doesn’t love Wonder Woman? I grew up watching her on Saturday morning cartoons and always thought she was pretty cool. So much so, that I bought a wonder woman Halloween costume a few years back and have wore it in several races!

NEW RACE SERIES!This series came out last fall, but did not come to my area. I participated in the virtual run. I was so excited that the race is coming to my town!

Tempe, ArizonaMarch 24, 2019

Choose from 5k or 10K

The race is coming to 7 cities across the country, view the full listhereand check out this map below.

Look at all this swag!

Right now you can save 10% with code “WWBIBRAVE”, even on the virtual option! See you there!

"Disclaimer: I received a complimentary entry to the Scottsdale Giant Race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Yesterday, I ran in the Scottsdale Giant Race 10k. What a nice event that was! I had taken some time off from running due to some knee issues and was hopeful that I could run this race without pain. I’m so glad I did!

Packet pickup was a breeze. The only challenge was parking. You had to be a bit resourceful – but it only took 5 minutes. Plus, there was a race gear store full of really nice shirts, hats and more, that was super tempting. Folks were strongly encouraged to pick up the day prior, but honestly it was available on race morning, and it would have been easy to just do it then.

On race morning, I was again worried about parking, but I ended up parking about a ½ mile away for free. There is a local “singing cowboy” who entertained folks near the check in and strolled around and chatted with us. He even let me pet his horse.

We lucked out and had perfect weather for the race. There was both a 5k and a 10 but I went with the 10k. We started first. They had native American hoop dancers performing at the start, and then the singing cowboy sang the national anthem. Everyone was dressed in San Francisco Giant fan gear!

The course was primarily on the Scottsdale Greenbelt – a paved path that goes along the golf course, ponds, and apartments. Not a bad start to the day! The 5k started 30 minutes after the 10k, and we didn’t have much overlap. I was hoping to finish in under an hour, and I did! And, with no pain!

We finished on the field, which was fun. I waited a few minutes because I knew my fellow BibRavePro Andrea was going to finish any minute in the 5k. I caught a snap of her crossing the finish line.

After receiving our medal – all finishers get the same medal, which is unfortunately one of my pet peeves – I made my way past the stands to the post-race goodies. I heard the announcer mention cold beer. I don’t recall seeing that advertised, ,but hey, who am I to turn that down at 8am? There was yogurt, granola bars, frut cups, water, sports drinks, and yes – cold local beer! They had Four Peaks Kilt Lifter.

Some of the racers were probably coming back for the spring training game in a few hours. The really fun thing about this race to me is the location. I only live 15-20 min away, but I never come to Old Town Scottsdale. Parking can be a hassle, but it is full of character and it feels like another world. You step back into an old west town, that is full of art galleries, souvenir shops, jewelry shops and tons of restaurants. The area was BUSTLING by 10am. I was very tempted to stay and play longer. I met my friend for brunch and just walked there from the stadium. Fun!

Next time, I will plan on staying in the area just a bit longer and shopping. The weather was gorgeous and it’s the best of both worlds. Run, stay, play! I highly recommend this race for it’s charm, location and laid-back nature!